Apparatus and method for making looped ribbon ornaments



Aug. 13, 1968 L. LOPATA 3,396,880

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING LOOPED RIBBON ORNAMENTS Filed July 28,1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ira L. Lopafa I N VENTOR.

3, 1968 1. L. LOPATA 3,396,880

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING LOOPED RIBBON ORNAMENTS Filed July 28,1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ira L. Lopai'a IN VENTOR.

BWWM/V- 73 I. L. LOF'ATA Aug. 13, 1968 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKINGLOOPED RIBBON ORNAMENTS Filed July 28, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet '5 I W 1V.1 Lj. L W a r I Y B 1.. LOPATA 3,396,880

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING LOOPED RIBBON ORNAMENTS Aug. 13, 1968 9Sheets-Sheet 4" Filed July 28, 1965 Iva L. La p aza V INVENTOR. BY WW1958 l. 1.. LOPATA 3,

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING LOOPED RIBBON ORNAMENTS Filed July 28,1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Iva L.Lopai'a I W MN- APPARATUS AND METHOD FORMAKING LOOPED RIBBON ORNAMENTS Filed July 28, 1965 I. L. LOPATA Aug. 13,1968 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 In: L. Lopai'a INVENTOR.

I. L. LOPATA Aug. 13, 1968 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING LOOPED RIBBONOR-NAMENTS Filed July 28, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 a R w .l O 5N NMM a W D.E I 9N mmu O W MON 1 A l y g w zg 0 3 L W\\ W vmu a va 4 3w fig h 5N mMON J mmN 1| l. L. LOPATA Aug. 13, 1968 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKINGLOOPED RIBBON ORNAMENTS Filed July 28, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 mm W 8.52.1 3 w d awvow s m N 5 SN m5 wfi 0.3 L 1 J 7 :7 m3 W S M b wmN WM. a f Sr 3% -o- I Y B Aug. 3, 1968 I. L. LOPATA 3,396,880

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING LOOPED RIBBON ORNAMENTS Filed July 28,1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Ira I ,.Lopafa 1 N VEN TOR.

United States Patent 3,396,880 APPARATUS AND METHOD FUR MAKING LOOPEDRIBBON ORNAMENTS Ira L. Lopata, 35 Sutton Place, New York, N.Y. 10022Filed July 28, 1965, Ser. No. 475,473 27 Claims. (Cl. 223-46) ABSTRACTOF THE DISCLOSURE An apparatus for making looped ribbon ornaments inwhich the ribbon is delivered to an impaling station by a reciprocatingcarriage which seizes and feeds the ribbon as it advances, pauses, andreleases the ribbon as it withdraws; an impaling spindle that rises toimpale the ribbon during the pause of the carriage and descends andtwists the ribbon while the carriage withdraws and advances, and thenimpales a new portion of the fed ribbon during the next successive pauseof the carriage; a ribbon cutoff that operates in advance of and closeto the impaling spindle to cut the ribbon off short at the spindle; alabelfeed cut-off that severs the label from a continuous strip as theribbon is affixed.

A method for making looped ribbon ornaments by feeding the ribbon to animpaling station by means of a reciprocating carriage that grips theribbon to advance it during a feed stroke, and releases the ribbonduring the carriage return; the carriage dwells between feed and returnstrokes, while a vertically reciprocating spindle rises to impalesuccessive reaches of ribbon during each carriage dwell, and twists theunimpaled end of the ribbon prior to the next impalement as the spindlelowers between dwells of the carriage.

This invention relates generally to apparatus for manufacturing loopedribbon ornaments variously known as rosettes, pompous, bows and thelike, and more specifically relates to an apparatus and method forcarrying out the manufacture of such items. It is an object of thisinvention to provide an apparatus which forms looped ribbon ornaments,tacks such ornaments on a mounting card and discharges the completedornament.

It is a further object of this invention to carry out the aforesaidoperation automatically and at a high rate of speed.

It is yet further object of this invention to manufacture looped ribbonornaments of various sizes, having a predetermined number of loops.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus and amethod for performing the manufacture of looped ribbon ornaments inwhich the size of the ornament may be changed within certain limits byvarying the lengths of the loops and by varying the number of loops,this being accomplished by adjusting the controls in accordance with therequirements.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a spindle whichdelicately impales the ribbon without any material tearing.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a means forreleasably securing the ribbon as the feed mechanism reciprocates.

Yet a further object of the invention is to drastically limit or curtailthe lengths of the end of the ribbon in each ornament made, confining itclose to the point of attachment, thereby to eliminate an unnecessarylength of ribbon beyond the point of attachment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ribbon cutter whichfunctions immediately adjacent to the point of attachment.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a label roll feedwhich feeds the label to the point of attach- 3,396,880 Patented Aug.13, 1968 "ice ment, cuts off an individual card suflicient to form afoundation to which the looped ribbon ornament may be attached.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a transportmechanism whereby the cut mounting card is transported to and impaledupon the spindle so that the stapling mechanism may secure the mountingcard to the looped ribbon ornament.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an anvil for thestapling mechanism immediately adjacent to the spindle which serves as ameans for deforming the staples to assume a gripping arrangement withthe looped ribbon ornament.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a cycloidal drivewith a dwell time at the forward end of each stroke to enable theimpalement and formation of a loop while the ribbon is not subject toany movement and stress.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an ejector forremoving the looped ribbon ornament from the impaling device or spindleand propel it into a receiving bin.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a control for therotation of the spindle which normally rotates the spindle through a 225arc, and initially rotates the spindle after the first impalement,through a 360 are so that the looped ribbon ornament will have apleasing filler.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide for an initialfeedage of the ribbon prior to the first act of impalement on thespindle so that the spindle will not tear through the end of the ribbon.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a single motor meansconnected with a series of power transmission means whereby all of theelements of the apparatus are driven except the stapler which isindependently controlled by a hydraulic or pneumatic means.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a method for forminglooped ribbon ornaments in which on first commencement a piece ofaugmented length is formed, an end piece of drastically restrictedlength is formed, and the number of loops as well as the length of theindividual loops are both controlled at the selection or the option ofthe operator. These objects and advantages as well as other objects andadvantages may be attained by the apparatus and through the performanceof the methods herein set forth reference being had to the figures whichare illustrative of an embodiment of the invention:-

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of the apparatus embodying thepresent invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1 withparts broken away;

FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower part of theapparatus shown in FIGURE 1 illustrating the power transmission trainfor driving all of the driven elements;

FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the power transmission train shown inFIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a front elevational view of the label feed label cut-offstapler and ejector devices as shown in FIG- URE 1 drawn to an enlargedscale with parts broken away and with parts in section;

FIGURE 6 is an end elevational view of the impaling spindle as shown inFIGURE 1 drawn to an enlarged scale with associated parts broken awayand with parts in section;

FIGURE 7 is a front elevational view of the ribbon feed carriage andtail maker as shown in FIGURE 1 drawn to an enlarged scale with partsbroken away and with parts in section;

FIGURE 7A is a vertical sectional view of the ribbon cutter.

FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of ribbon feed carriage and tail maker asshown in FIGURE 7 with parts broken away;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 99 inFIGURE 8 showing the details of a magnetic release for controlling thegripping of the ribbon during the feeding thereof;

FIGURES 10, 11 and 12 are views of a 360 initialloop former with partsthereof shown in progressive positions of their cycle for controllingthe angular rotation of the impaling spindle for twisting the 360initial loop of ribbon as it is impaled on the spindle needles for thecenter part of a looped ribbon ornament.

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary sectional view drawn to an enlarged scale ofan impaling spindle, an impaling stem and impaling needles carried onthe upper end of the stem;

FIGURE 14 is a top plan view of the impaling spindle and the associatedparts shown in FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 15 is a head for an impaling stem drawn to a greatly enlargedscale having a plurality of impaling needles secured in the head; and

FIGURE 16 is a top plan view of the head and needles shown in FIGURE 14.

As a preferred and exemplary embodiment of the instant invention,FIGURES 1 and 2 of the drawing generally illustrate the apparatus forforming looped-ribbon ornaments. These figures include a stationaryribbon feed table secured to a pedestal 26 which is mounted on anapparatus housing 27.

Ribbon feed table The ribbon feed table 25 is adapted to support asupply of ribbon which preferably is wound in the form of a reel 28.FIGURE 2 shows several such reels of ribbon rotatably carried on spacedapart shafts 29 which are secured to and extend upwardly from the feedtable 25. A plurality of pins 30 are also secured to the feed table 25and extend upwardly therefrom. The pins 30 preferably are positionedconcentrically relative to the shafts 29 to prevent accidental unwindingof the ribbon from the reels 28.

In order to feed the outer free ends of the reels of ribbon into theapparatus, the ribbon initially passes between sets of spaced apartguide elements 31 which are secured to the top of the feed table 25. Theends of the ribbon thereafter pass between pairs of spaced-apart rollers32 which are rotatably carried on suitable shafts secured to the top ofthe feed table 25. The ends of the ribbon thereafter are twisted forfeeding the ribbon horizontally into the apparatus. The ribbon thus istwisted from a vertical position into a horizontal position to passbetween a plurality of a comb of wires 33 which extend from a plate 34secured to the top of the feed table 25. The comb 33 frictionallyengages the ribbon as it passes between the wires to hold the ribbonagainst slipping as it is drawn forward into the apparatus.

The sets of guide elements 31 hereinbefore described (FIG. 2) constitutepart of an automatic splicer wherein the leading end of ribbon from anew reel may be secured to the trailing end of an exhausted reel ofribbon. A new supply of ribbon may be spliced with either web of ribbonwhen the end of the ribbon from the reel is reached without shuttingdown the operations of the apparatus. Hence, for this purpose two suchreels of ribbon are held in reserve, and are shown to the left as viewedin FIGURE 2.

The outer free ends of the ribbon extending inwardly of the pins 33 onthe feed table 25 now pass over and through suitable ribbon guideways ina reciprocating transfer or ribbon feed carriage 35. It is by means ofthis feed carriage that the two webs of ribbon are independently fedforward simultaneously during each feeding stroke for delivery toimpaling spindles 36. These impaling spindles 36 are located at anornament forming station where a desired number of loops of ribboncomprising a completed ornament are impaled.

Ribbon feed carriage The feed carriage 35 (FIG. 1) is slidably carriedon a pair of parallel spaced apart slide bars 37, which extendhorizontally of the apparatus. The feed carriage 35 is provided withpairs of support bosses 38 at the opposite ends of the carriage. It iswithin these bores that the slide bars 37 are located and by means ofwhich the feed carriage 35 may be reciprocated freely.

The slide bars 37 are secured at their opposite ends in support brackets39 which are mounted on the housing 27. Exposed portions of the slidebars 37 between the bosses 38 and the brackets 39 are protected fromdust by spirally wound expandable and contractable protectors 40. Otherfeatures of the ribbon feed carriage including devices and elementsassociated therewith will be de scribed fully hereinafter in connectionwith the description of FIGURES 7, 8 and 9.

FIGURE 1 of the drawings also shows devices such as a label feed,cut-off, stapler and ejector located to the right of the figure abovethe impaling spindles 36 at the ornament forming station. A second setof each of these devices is shown on the opposite side of the apparatus(FIG. 2) for coaction with the second line of ornaments being formed.Since the operation of each set of these devices is identical, they areherein referred to as a single unit.

Label feed The label feed 41 is adapted to feed label material in theform of a web or strip from a source of supply such as a reel 42. Theweb material used for these labels is a laminated structure whichcomprises a main layer or ply of fiber or heavy paper having a layer ofpressure sensitive adhesive applied thereto. A relatively thinprotective paper ply covers the adhesive layer. This thin covering plyis adapted to provide a peel-off for the individual labels.

Each reel 42 is pivotally carried on a stud or bolt 43 secured to abracket 44 which is carried on a support 45. The support 45 is mountedon the housing 27. The web material as needed is gradually drawndownwardly. The end of the web material is fed between suitable guideand feed rollers and thence into a guideways associated with the support45, to feed the leading end of the web into position for providing anindividual label for each of the ornaments being formed.

Each label cut-off device 46 which is located adjacent a label feedincludes suitable cut-off knives for cutting off a desired length of theweb material from the leading end of the web. Hence as the cut-offknives are operated relative to each other, individual labels areprovided for being attached onto an ornament as it is produced on theimpaling spindle 36 directly therebeneath.

Ornament stapler A stapler 47 is closely related to the adjacent labelcutolf device, and operates simultaneously in conjunction therewith. Thestapler includes a spool 48 for holding a supply of wire wound thereon.It is from this wire supply that suitable lengths of wire are cut andformed into individual staples during the stapling operation forsecuring the plurality of loops of ribbon on the spindle 36. The labelis adapted to the back of the ornament and included within the grip ofthe staple.

Each spool 48 is rotatably carried and secured on a stud or bolt 49secured to an arm 50 of a bracket 51 which is secured to a frame 52. Theframe 52 is supported on vertical posts 53 mounted on the housing 27.FIG- URE 1 of the drawings illustrates how an individual strand of wireis fed upwardly into a loop from the spool 48 onto a curved metal guide54, having a channel formed therein for guiding the wire. The metalguide 54 is secured onto a bracket 55 which is carried on and secured tothe frame 52. The stapling apparatus itself is a standard article ofcommerce and needs no further identification.

Ornament ejector An ejector device 56 is located beneath its associatecut-off device 46. Each ejector device 56 includes a slidable platemember (FIGS. and 1) provided with an ejector finger which is adapted tostrip the ornament from the spindle 36 and to eject it for dischargeinto a suitable receiving bin.

Further details and description of the label feed, label cutoff, staplerand ejector devices will be fully supplied in connection with thedescription of FIGURE 5.

The power train for the ribbon feed carriage The drive transmission foroperating all of the drive and driven elements of the instant apparatusis located within the housing 27 as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 of thedrawings. Also included in this drive transmission is a cycloidal drive75 which is used for operating the reciprocating transfer carriagehereinbefore described. It is by means of this type of drive that arelatively smooth reciprocating action is imparted to the transfercarriage 35. This drive also provides a short dwell at the end of eachstroke which is necessary during the forward or feeding stroke to allowsufficient time for impaling and twisting the ribbon on the impalingspindle 36-. This dwell prevents tear stress upon the ribbon that wouldresult if there were no dwell while the ribbon is impaled and twistedinto loops.

The cycloidal drive includes a stationary annular inner gear 76 which issecured to the housing 27 A pinion 77 meshes with the annular inner gear76 and is carried v on a stud or bolt 78. A lever 79 is secured to theupper end of the stud 78 and is rotatable with the pinion 77. The outerend of the lever 79 is pivotally connected by a pin 80 to one end of aconnecting lever 81. The opposite end of the connecting lever 81 ispivotally connected onto the lower end of a stud 82 which is secured ina boss in the reciprocating carriage 35.

The pinion 77 is rota-ted by a drive lever 83 which is pivotallyconnected at its outer end to the lower end of the stud 78. At its innerend, the drive lever 83 is secured to the upper end of a verticallydisposed auxiliary drive shaft 84. The auxiliary drive shaft 84 isjournaled in frictionless bearing mounted in the housing 27.

The auxiliary drive shaft 84 is driven from a vertically disposed maindrive shaft 85 by means of a drive gear 86 which is mounted on the driveshaft 85. The drive gear 86 meshes with and rotates the driven gear 87mounted on the auxiliary shaft 84. The main drive shaft 85 is journaledin frictionless bearings mounted in the housing 2.7.

The main drive shaft 85 is driven from an electric Inotor 88 which isthe main source of power for the drive transmission. A pulley 89 securedto the lower end of the main drive shaft '85 is driven from a main drivepulley 90 mounted on the lower end of the motor drive shaft 91. Anendless drive belt 92 operates over the pulleys 89, 90 and thiscompletes the drive to the main drive shaft 85.

The power train for the spindle The impaling spindles 36 are operated inproper timed relation with the reciprocation of the ribbon feed carriage35. Hence these spindles are rotated and lifted simultaneously to apredetermined ribbon receiving position successively for the impalementof each length of looped ribbon.

The rotation of the impaling spindles 36 is effected by means of drivenpulleys 93 secured to the lower end of each of these spindles (FIGS. 3,4 and 6). An endless drive belt 94 operates over the pulleys 93 and alsoover a drive pulley 95 which is carried on the main drive shaft 85. Apair of idler pulleys 96, 97 engages against one run of the belt 94 foradjusting the driving tension of the belt. The pulleys 96, 97 arepivotally carried on bolts secured in the levers 98, 99. These leversare adjustably secured by suitable means to a downwardly extended boss100 on the housing 27.

The lifting of the impaling spindles is effected by a single facerotatable cam 101 which is rotatably carried on a stud shaft 102. Thisstud shaft is secured in the housing 27 A cam roller 103 coacts with thecam 101 and is engageable against the lower face of the cam. The camr-oller 103 is rot-atably carried on a cross bar 104 which extendstransversely beneath each of impaling spindles 36 and is connectedtherewith by suitable means which will be fully described hereinafter inconnection with the description of FIGURE 6.

The cross bar 104 is secured to the lower end of a vertically disposedslide shaft 105 which is slidably carried in suitable bearings in thehousing 27 The slide shaft 105 normally is urged upwardly by means of aspring 106 which surrounds this shaft. The spring 106 is located in abore 107 in the housing 27 and is confined under pressure by means of acollar or shoulder at its upper end and the slide bearing in the housing27 at its lower end. It is the action of this spring 106 on the slideshaft 105 that maintains the cam roller 103 in engagement with the lowerface of the cam 101.

The cross bar 104 is guided vertically for its lifting action of theimpaling spindles 36. Hence a roller 108 is provided and is rotatablycarried on one end of this cross car (FIG. 4). The roller 108 operatesin a vertical raceway 109 in the housing 27,

The cam 101 is rotated by means of a belt driven from the main driveshaft 85. A pulley 110 secured to the lower hub of a cam 101 is drivenfrom a drive pulley 1'11 mounted on the main drive shaft 85. An endlessdrive belt 112 operates over the pulleys 110, 111. An idler pulley 113is engagea-ble against one run of the belt 112 for adjusting the drivingtension of this belt. The idler pulley 113 is carried pivotally on abolt secured in a lever 114. This lever 114 is adjustable and is securedby a bolt to a boss 115 on the housing 27.

The label feed, label cut-off, stapler and ejector devices previouslyoutlined in accordance with the disclosure of FIGURE 1 now will bedescribed more fully. The label feed 41 (FIG. 5) illustrates how the webof label mateterial used for providing labels is drawn downwardly fromthe reel 42 and is passed between a guide roller and a stationary pin126 positioned beneath in spaced relation to the roller 125. This guideroller is carried rotatably on a shaft 127 secured in the support 45.The pin 126 is also secured in the support 45.

The guided web of label material thereafter is passed between a pair ofupper and lower feed rollers 128, 129. The upper roller 128 is carriedrotatably on a shaft 130 secured in one end of a lever 131. This leveris carried on a pivot pin 132 secured in a lug 133 on the support 45.The end of the lever 131 opposite the roller 128 is provided with a bore134 wherein a spring 135 is located. The spring 135 engages against anupper surface of the support 45 and thus rocks the lever 131 to causethe feed roller 128 to exert pressure against the web of label materialas it passes over the lower feed roller 129. This lower feed roller 129is secured to a drive shaft 136 rotated in the support 45. The driveshaft 136 is driven intermittently in any suitable manner in timedrelation with other operations of the apparatus to advance the web oflabel material into a guideway 137 in the support 45.

As the web of label material advances through the guideway 137 itapproaches the label cut-off 46 which is positioned at the inner end ofthe label feed 41. A length of web material sufficient in length toprovide a label for an ornament, is advanced by the operation of thelower feed roller 129 to extend beyond the edges of the cut-off knivesin readiness to be cut from the web. This then provides the next labelto be secured on an ornament being prepared on the impaling spindle 36.

The cut-off device 46 includes a stationary knife 138 and a coactingmovable knife 139 (shown in FIG. slight ly advanced past the stationaryknife 138). The stationary knife 138 is secured to the inner end of anextension 140 on the support 45. The movable knife 139 is secured to thelower end of a punch plate 141 which is mounted to the lower end of thestapler 47. This punch plate 141 is moved upwardly and downwardly with astapler slide 142 and other associated parts of these devices.

As the stapler slide 142 returns to its upper position following astapling operation wherein an individual label is secured to anornament, the ornament with its label now is ready to be ejected fromthe apparatus. This is accomplished by means of the ejector device 56which is positioned beneath the stapler 47 and extends outwardly to theright as viewed in FIGURE 5.

The ejector device 56 includes an ejector slide 143 which is carried forreciprocation in a slide support 144. The slide support is secured tothe bottom surface of the frame 52. The ejector slide carries an ejectorplate 145 which is secured thereto and which extends transversely ofthis device. At each opposite end, the ejector plate is provided with anejector finger 146. These fingers 146 project beyond the impalingspindles 36 at the front and rear of the apparatus. It is during themovement of the ejector slide 143 that these ejector fingers 146 engagea finished ornament for discharging it from the apparatus.

The ejector slide 143 normally is held in the position shown in FIGURE 5by a latch 147 which is engageable with the upper end of lug 148 on theejector slide 143. Latch 147 is pivoted on a pin 149 secured in a lug onthe frame 52. This latch 147 is released from the position shown inFIGURE 5 during an ejection operation by means of a vertically disposedrod 150. This rod is slidable in spaced apart lugs 151, 152 on thesupport 52. The lower end of the rod 150- is adapted to coact with alever 153 on the inner end of the latch 147.

The movement of the ejector slide 143 is achieved by a spring 154 whichhas a lower end thereof connected in any suitable manner to the lowerright side of the apparatus (FIG. 1). The upper end of the spring isconnected to one end of a cable 155 which is carried over a pulley 156and is secured at its opposite end in a suitable connector 157 on theejector slide 143. The pulley 156 is rotatable on a pin 158 secured in abracket 159 which extends outwardly from the frame 52.

When the support 52 is at the position shown in FIG- URE 5, the spring154 is under tension normally urging the ejector finger 146 forward(which is to the right as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 5). The latch 147however restrains this action until such time immediately following thestapling operation and the upward travel of the support 52. Hence, whenthe frame 52 has moved upwardly, the ejector finger 146 is engaged withthe side of the ornament at a location directly beneath the label. Withthis action, the lever 153 coacts with the bottom end of the rod 150(the top end of the rod 150 having been stopped by the bracket 168) totilt the lever 153. This disengages the latch 147 from its engagementwith the end of the lug 148 and permits the ejector finger 146, carriedon the ejector slide 143, to move outward rapidly from the positionshown at the right as viewed in FIGURE 5 and to eject the finishedornament from the apparatus, by lifting the finished ornament from theimpaling spindle.

As the frame 52 returns to its upper position the tension of the spring154 is relaxed so that it is unable to overcome the effectiveness of thepull-back springs 160 which exert suflicient pull to restore the ejectorslide 143 in its latched position as shown in FIGURE 5. The springs 160are linked together and are positioned beneath the ejector slide 143.One of the springs 160 is connected at one end to the slide by hookingengagement in the eye bolt 148. The opposite end of the other spring 160is connected at its inner end by hooking engagement in a stationarydepending element 161 secured to the slide support.

FIGURE 5 also illustrates an inclined portion 162 of the frame 52extending inwardly and upwardly and terminating adjacent the punch plate141. This inclined portion 162 serves as a deflector. This FIGURE 5 alsoillustrates a safety switch 163 for stopping the operations of theapparatus. This switch 163 is mounted on the bracket 159. The switch 163is sensitive and is actuated by the touch of an ejected ornament againsta downwardly sloping wire 164. If this contact with the wire 164 doesnot occur, the circuit is not reset for the next forming operation; themotor circuit is open and the machine stops.

FIGURE 6 of the drawings illustrates the impaling spindles 36 located atthe impaling station at the front and rear of the apparatus. An impalingspindle 36 is formed on the upper end of the tubular shaft which iscarried vertically in bearings in a bore 176 of a depending boss 177 onthe housing 27. The shaft 175 has a shoulder 178 which has fittingengagement within an annular ring 179 which constitutes a base for theimpaling spindle 36. The ring 179 of the impaling spindle 36 issupported on an annular seal element 180 which is located in a recess181 of the housing 27.

An elongated tube 182 surrounds the tubular shaft 175 and provides aspacer element between the upper and lower frictionless bearings. Aspacer ring 183 is carried adjacent the lower end of the tubular shaft175 and is located between the lower bearing and the pulley 93. A nut184 threaded on the lower end of the tubular shaft 175 secures thepulley 93 against the spacer ring 183 and thus locks the elementshereinbefore described together as a unit.

The tubular shaft 175, including the impaling spindle 36 at the upperend thereof, is provided with a bore 185 wherein an impaling stern 186is located. This impaling stem 186 is adapted for rotation with thetubular shaft 175 and also for axial movement relative thereto.

In order for the impaling stem 186 to rotate with the tubular shaft 175a pin 187 is secured transversely in the impaling stem 186. The ends ofthe pin 187 project outwardly from the opposite sides of the impalingstem 186 and enter in a longitudinal slot 188 provided in the tubularshaft 175.

The axial movement of the impaling stem 186 relative to the impalingspindle 36 is achieved by the cam actuation of the cross bar 104. Hence,for this purpose the lower end of the spindle stern 186 is pivoted in asuitable connection with the cross bar 104.

The impaling stem 196 adjacent its upper end is formed to providerelatively close fitting engagement within the bore 185 and at the sametime reduce the frictional engagement between these parts. For thispurpose the stem 186 is formed with an angular cross sectional portion189 near its upper end, which portion has a plurality of corners 190which project outwardly from the circular section of the remainder ofthe stem 186. It is these corners 190 that engage the wall surface ofthe bore 188 in substantial line contact thereby reducing normal surfacecontact between the parts.

FIGURE 13 of the drawings illustrates an upper portion of the impalingspindle drawn to an enlarged scale and includes a head 191 for theimpaling stem 186. This head is secured by threads 192 in the top end ofthe impaling stem 186. The head 191 is provided with a plurality of mainimpaling needles 193, preferably three in number, which are secured inthe impaling head and arranged in a concentric spaced apart relation(FIG. 14). Also included on the head are a plurality of auxiliaryneedles 194 which are shorter in length than the main needles. There arethree of these auxiliary needles 194 and these are positionedalternately between the main needles 193. It is by means of theseneedles that the ribbon is held securely after impalement for twistingthe lengths of ribbon into loops. FIGURES 15, 16 show the details of thehead 191, provided with threads 192 on a lower end portion having thesame arrangement of main and 9 auxiliary needles 193, 104 disposed inspaced apart concentric relation.

FIGURES 13, also illustrate in detail a spiral thread 195 provided oneach of the main needles. The threads 195 are formed with a relativelysteep lead angle and thus greatly increases the hold on the ribbon as itis impaled.

The ribbon feed carriage previously referred to in connection with thedisclosures of FIGURES 1 and 2 now will be described more fully. FIGURES7, 8 of the drawings illustrates the ribbon feed carriage 35 whichincludes a main carriage body 200 having pairs of longitudinal platforms201, 202 extending outwardly from opposite ends of the body 200 inspaced apart parallel relation. These platforms 201, 202 are secured tothe carriage body 200 in any suitable manner. The individual ends of theribbon Withdrawn from the reels 28 as hereinbefore described for feedinginto the apparatus pass over the platforms 201 as they are advancedthere along towards the inner ends of the platforms 201. As the ends ofthe ribbon reach this inner location they pass beneath a pair ofstationary plates 203 which are positioned along the path of travel ofthe feed carriage 35. Each plate 203 is secured to a longitudinalsupport rail 204 extending along the front and rear of the apparatus.These support rails 204 are secured to spaced apart posts 205 mounted onthe housing 27.

A roller 206 is positioned beneath each of the stationary plates 203 andis arranged to bear against the ribbon and roll along beneath it as theribbon engages and is held against the bottom surface of the plate. Theplates 203 and their coacting rollers 205 are adapted to providehold-back means to stop the backward movement of the ribbon during thereturn stroke of the ribbon feed carriage 35. This function is onlyessential at the commencement of the formation of each looped ribbonornament. Thereafter, the ribbon is impaled on the needles 193 and doesnot need to be advanced. But for the initial loop, there would be noportion of the ribbon in the notch 236. On the return stroke of thecarriage 35, before the ribbon is first impaled, the ribbon is free atits outer end, and is carried back by the carriage 35, until the rollers205 press it against the bottom of the plates 203 establishing africtional contact that holds the ribbon immobile while the carriagecontinues its rearward stroke. The ribbon then issues from therearwardly moving notch 236 until relieved of frictional contact withthe plates 203 when the rollers 205 ride off of the plate. By this time,a tail piece of ribbon sufficiently long to insure against the ribbonpulling off the needles 193, has issued from the notch 236, ready forthe first impalement. Hence, for this purpose each bottom surface of theplates 203 has a high friction engaging surface formed thereon. Such asurface may very well be one that previously had been treated by sandblasting. The roller 206 is biased toward the ribbon which is backedupon the high friction engaging surface of the plate 203 by a leafspring 207. The roller 206 is carried pivotally on a pin 208 secured ina bracket 209 mounted on a free end of the leaf spring 207. This leafspring is secured to a support 210 mounted on the carriage 35.

The leading ends of the ribbon thereafter pass under a ribbon tensionadjustment. The tension adjustment includes a horizontally disposedadjustable rod 211 extending transversely of the path of travel of theribbon and bearing thereon. The rod 211 is carried on a pivotablebracket 212 secured along the inner side of the horizontal platform 202.The tension exerted by this rod on the ribbon during the return strokeof the platform regulates the length of the ribbon issuing from thenotch 236, by modifying the action of the roller 206 on the plate 203 ashereinbefore described: the tighter the engagement of the rod 211 withthe ribbon, the lesser the length of ribbon issuing from the notch 236.

The ribbon after passing over the rod 211 enters in and passes through aguideway 213 formed in the cover plates 214. These cover plates aresecured to the top surface of the platform 202. As the ribbon advancesalong the guideway 213 it passes over a ribbon gripper 215. Such agripper is located in the path of the ribbon for the purpose of grippingand holding the ribbon against the cover plate for advancing a desiredlength of ribbon during a feeding stroke of the carriage 35. This ribbongripper 215 generally is in the form of a rocker type lever whichcarries a gripper insert 216 at an upper extension thereof. The gripper215 also is provided with a lever arm 217 extending downwardly thereof.

Each ribbon gripper 215 is secured to a shaft 218 journaled in bearingsin the platform 202. These shafts 218 extend inwardly from the front andrear of the apparatus and are joined by with intermediate shaft 219 by apin and collar connector 220. (FIG. 8.)

The gripper 215 is rocked for ribbon gripping engagement when it isdesired to start feeding by a spring 221 which has one end hooked ontothe lower end of the lever arm 219. The opposite end of the spring issecured in an opening 222 in the depending wall of the ribbon feedcarriage 35.

Since the gripping of the ribbon during the feed stroke is dependentupon the engagement of the ribbon by the insert 216, which occurs whenthe clapper arm 224 is released by the magnet 225, it is apparent thatthe length or ribbon fed may be nicely controlled by timing the releaseof the arm 224 to occur in a chosen portion of the feed stroke of thecarriage 35. The magnet 225 is pulsed to release the arm 224 by asnap-action switch 304 (i.e. one that immediately restores the circuitafter the break). This switch, as will be hereinafter set forth, isadjustable so that it may pulse the magnet 225 at a plurality ofpositions during the feed stroke. The result is that a selected lengthof ribbon can be chosen for feeding for each loop.

Provision also is made to hold the gripper 215 out of engagement withthe ribbon during a return stroke of the feed carriage 35. This isachieved by a clapper 223 secured to the intermediate shaft 219. Thisclapper 223- has an arm 224 which is rocked into the position bestillustrated in FIGURE 9 where it is held by a magnet 225, which normallyis energized for this purpose. The magnet 225 is secured to a bracket226 which is mounted on the carriage body 200.

After the ribbon passes over the gripper 215, the ribbon continuespassing through the guideway 213 toward a ribbon cut-off device 226secured on top of the platform 202 near its outer end. This cut-offdevice 226 includes a housed chamber 227 having a base 228 wherein astem 229 of the plunger 230 is carried. The base 228 also includes aguideway 231 which is a continuation of the guideway 213. At its lowerend, the stem 229 carries a cutoff knife 232 which operates in anopening 233 in both the base 228 and the platform 202. The plunger 230normally is held in an up position in the chamber 227, by a spring 234to permit free passage of the ribbon through the guideway 231. Theribbon cut-off device 226 is operated by fluid means connected to thecut-off device from any suitable source, which fluid enters the chamber227 above the plunger 230, forcing it downwardly against the resistanceof the spring 234 to cut the ribbon. The ribbon preferably is cutfollowing the feeding and forming of the last length of ribbon in anornament, thus separating the completed ornament from the supply ofribbon.

During normal feeding, such as when successive lengths of ribbon arebeing fed, the ribbon passes freely through the guideway 231 in thecut-off device and thereafter outward (to the right as viewed in FIGS.7, 8) through a continuation of the guideway 213. The outer end of theplatform 201 is covered by a cover plate 235 which also includes aguideway 213.

FIGURE 8 illustrates notch 236 provided in the outer end of each of theplatforms 202. These notches permit the ribbon feed carriage 35 toadvance to a position in the impaling station at the end of each feedingstroke to substantially surround the impaling spindle 36, therebysupporting the ribbon in the guideway 213 during the impaling operation,when the needles 193 intrude into the notch 236 to skewer the ribbon.

Having described the various devices and elements associated with theribbon feed carriage and the advancement of the ribbon therealong indetail, the operation of the feed carriage 35 now will be described.Following the cut-off of a completed ornament, the carriage 35 is in aforward position which is at the right as viewed in FIG- URE 1, at theimpaling station.

The ribbon gripper 215 at this time is out of engagement with the ribbonand is in a position as shown in FIGURE 7. The ribbon gripper 215 isheld in this inoperative position by the clapper arm 224 through itscontact with the normally energized magnet 225.

As the feed carriage 35 gradually begins to move toward the left on itsreturn stroke, the roller 206 rolls along the ribbon, pressing it intoengagement with the high friction engaging surface of the plate 203.Hence, with the ribbon held stationary, further movement of the feedcarriage 35 relative to the ribbon during its return stroke actuallyresults in advancing a predetermined length of ribbon through theguideway 213 and causing it to issue from the notch 236. Thus, theleading end of the ribbon that was previously in a position at the edgeof the cut-off knife 232, following the last cutoff operation of acompleted ornament, now is advanced outwardly beyond the outer edge ofthe plateform 202 as a lead piece or tongue (FIGURE 8). It is thisleading end or tongue that is impaled on the impaling spindle at thestart of the next feeding stroke of the ribbon feed carriage 35 for theinitial length of ribbon to be fed.

Upon reaching the end of the return stroke there is a short dwell beforethe ribbon feed carriage 35 starts its movement on the next feedingstroke. It is at this time that the magnet 225 is pulsed, therebyreleasing its hold on the clapper arm 224 and allowing it to drop freeof the magnet. The clapper arm 224 then is held away from the magnet bymeans of the spring 221 which immediately pulls the lever arm 217 to aposition at the right of that viewed in FIGURE 7 thereby rocking theribbon gripper 215 to the left and bringing the gripper insert 216 intogripping engagement with the ribbon. The gripper insert continues itsgrip on the ribbon as the ribbon feed carriage 35 starts moving forwardon a feeding stroke whereby a length of ribbon is fed freely with theadvancement of the feed carriage.

As the feed carriage 35 approaches the end of the feeding stroke, thelever arm 217 strikes against a gripper release bar 237 which ispositioned adjacent the impaling station. The gripper release bar 237 issecured in a bracket 238 mounted on a boss 239 on the housing 27. Thegripper bar 237 then pushes against the lever arm 217 overcoming thepull of the spring 221 and rocking the ribbon gripper 215 out ofengagement with the ribbon. This action also rocks the shafts 218 andthe intermediate shaft 219 together with the clapper 223 carriedthereon, thereby lifting the clapper arm 224 into position for restoringits holding contact with the normally energized magnet 225. The ribbonfeed carriage 35 has now reached the end of its feeding stroke. It is atthis time that there is another short dwell before the ribbon feedcarriage 35 repeats its cycle of operation. This period of dwellprovides ample time for the length of ribbon that was fed to be twistedin a loop by the rotation of the spindles 36, and impaled upon theimpaling spindle 36.

Ribbon looper In order to control the predetermined degree of are orangular rotation of the spindle for twisting the successive lengths ofribbon into loops, suitable means are provided whereby the looped ribbonornament will be formed with a pleasing center loop. Hence, for thispurpose, a slip clutch and loop former is provided in the drive train(FIGS. 3, 4) for controlling the angular rotation of the drive pulley95, and is carried on the main drive shaft directly beneath this pulley.

FIGURES 10, 11' and 12 illustrate a loop former associated with a clutchcage whereby a 360 initial loop of ribbon may be impaled on the spindleneedles to provide the center part of a looped ribbon ornament. Thesuccessive lengths of ribbon thereafter are fed and twisted into loopshaving angles of rotation preferably less than the complete 360 initialfill-in twist, such as for example, loops resulting from a 225 arc,twist or angle of rotation of the spindle. With an initial 360 loop forcenter fill-in, and eight successive 225 loops, the eight successiveloops will fall, without duplication at 45 from each other, therebycompleting a full looped ornament.

FIGURE 10 of the drawings shows a plurality of parts which comprise theloop former surrounding a clutch cage 250 carried on the main driveshaft 85. The loop former parts include a 360 special actuating arm 251and a 225 normal actuating arm 252. These arms coact with the clutchcage 250 in a predetermined timed relation for selectively controlling adesired angle of rotation for twisting a particular length of ribboninto a loop.

The special actuating arm 251 is pivoted on a shaft 253 carried in arocker arm 254 which is pivoted on a shaft 255 secured in a frame 256.This frame 256 is mounted on the housing 27.

The special actuating arm 251 also coacts with a rocker arm 257 and abell crank lever 258 located at one side thereof as viewed in FIGURE 10.The rocker arm 257 has a shaft 259 secured thereto and pivoted in anopening in the frame 256. The bell crank lever 258 is pivoted on a shaft260 secured in the frame 256.

FIGURE 10 shows the special actuating arm 251 and its coacting parts ina non-operative position out of the orbit of the rotating clutch cage250. The special actuating arm 251 thus is held in this position by alatch 261 on an arm of the bell crank lever 258 hooked on a detent 262on the actuating arm 251. The bell crank lever 258 is held in thislatched position by a spring 263 which is connected in an opening to theother arm of the bell crank lever. The opposite end of the spring 263 isconnected by a stud 264 to the frame 256. A magnet 265 presentlydeenergized also is shown pivoted by a suitable pin to the arm of thebell crank lever 258 adjacent the spring connection. The magnet 265 issecured to the frame 256. a

The normal actuating arm 252 is pivoted on a shaft 266 secured in theframe 256. FIGURE 10 illustrates this actuating arm 252 directedinwardly in locked engagement with the clutch cage 250. A detent 267 onthe actuating arm 252 is engageable against a lug 268 on the clutch cage250. The normal actuating arm 252 is urged inwardly into this positionby means of a spring 269 which has one end thereof connected in anopening in an arm extension of this actuating arm 252. The opposite endof the spring is connected by a stud 270 to the frame 256 (FIGURE 11). Astop pin 271 secured in the frame 256 limits the inward movement of thenormal actuating arm 252.

Since the angular rotation of the main drive shaft 85 has a significantbearing upon the angular rotation of the impaling spindle 36, a definiterelationship between their respective angles of rotation exists. Hence,in the interest of simplicity in design and operation of the loopformer, an angular rotation of the main shaft 85 equal to 180 has beenchosen as a basis for controlling the angular twist of all the loopsfollowing the initial twisted loop. Thus, a drive ratio of 4 to 5between the drive pulley and the driven pulley 93 establishes aconversion of desired angular rotation of the impaling spindle. The orone half of a rotation of the clutch cage 250 thus would be equal to 225of angular rotation of the impaling spindle 36. An added increment ofangular rota- 13 tion is provided in the loop former by the specialactuating arm 251 to produce a complete 360 of rotation on the impalingspindle 36. This will be described in further detail in connection withthe operations of the loop former.

At the start of an initial feed stroke of the ribbon feed carriage 35for forming an ornament, the magnet 265 is energized and thus exerts apulling action on the arm of the bell crank lever 258 overcoming thetension of the spring 263 (FIG. 11). This rocks the lever 258 andreleases the latch 261 from its hold on the detent 262 of the actuatingarm 251. A spring 272 connected in an opening at the outer end of thespecial actuating arm 251 exerts a pull on this actuating arm and rocksit inwardly so that a detent 273 on this arm is directed into the orbitof the rotating clutch cage 250. The outer end of the spring 272 issecured by a stud 274 on a stationary arm 275 which is bolted to theframe 256.

The special actuating arm 251 has an extension 276 which is providedwith a depending edge 277. As the actuating arm 251 is rocked inwardly,as previously described, this extension 276 also will be rocked but inan outward direction thereby positioning the depending edge 277 into anorbit of lower pin 278, secured on the auxiliary shaft 84. The lower pin278 is operable only with the depending edge 277 on the actuating arm251. The high pin 279 is operable only with a depending edge 280 on theactuating arm 252.

FIGURE 11 now illustrates the parts hereinbefore described in a presetposition for the 360 cycle. The view shows one of the lugs 268 engagedagainst the detent 267 on the normal actuating arm 252 thereby holdingthe clutch cage 250 momentarily against rotation. This view also showsthe high pin 279 in engagement with a depending edge 280 of the normalactuating arm 252. Hence, before the low pin 278 can move into positionfor striking the depending edge 277 and rocking the actuating arm 251,the high pin 279 will precede the action and will strike and rock thenormal actuating arm 252 out of the orbit of the lug 268 and allow thislug to pass.

While this action is taking place, the low pin 278 will advance intostriking engagement with the depending edge 277 and thereby rock theextension 276 of the actuating arm 251 out of the orbit of the pin 278.During this action the detent 273 also will move outwardly from theorbit of the lugs 268. The actuating arm 251 however will be rocked backimmediately and thus restore the arm 251 to its preset position by thetension of the spring 272.

The lug 268 on the clutch cage 250 approaching toward the detent 273 asillustrated in FIGURE 11 will in the meantime advance to a position inengagement with the detent 273 as illustrated in FIGURE 12. The magnet265, having performed its function in the release of the specialactuating arm 251 for the 360 cycle, then is deenergized. The specialactuating arm 251 has set the detent 273 into engagement with the lug268, preparatory for the start of the 360 cycle.

As the lug 268 hereinbefore mentioned moves into engagement with thedetent 273 on the actuating arm 251, it exerts a tangential pressureagainst the detent 273. This action also is assisted by the spring 263urging the bell crank lever 258 to rock in a counter clockwise directionand press the latch 261 against the detent 262. The com bined pressureof the lug 268 and the latch 261 thus urge the actuating arm 251 to movelaterally to the left as illustrated in FIGURE 12 on its pivotalmounting on the shaft 253.

As the actuating arm 251 shifts to the left, a detent 281 on the rockerarm 254 engages against an adjustable screw stop 282 secured in a lug283 on the frame 256. The actuating arm 251 thereupon becomes locked inthis forward position by means of an edge tongue 284 on one end of therocker arm 257 which drops from its normal position in an inner notch285 into an outer notch 286 thereby holding the rocker arm 254 in lockedposition against the stop 282.

The edge tongue 284 of the rocker arm 257 is held in either of its inneror outer notched positions by a spring 287. This spring is connected atone end in an opening in the outer end of the rocker arm 257 and at itsother end by a stud 288 secured in the frame 256. The spring 272continues urging the actuating arm 251 inwardly toward the clutch cage250 Where the lug 268 is engaged against the detent 273 and the outerend of the actuating arm 251 is engaged against a stop pin 289 securedin the frame 256. This stop pin limits the inward movement of thespecial actuating arm 251.

Reference now is made to FIGURES 11 and 12 of the drawings which clearlyshow the increment of rotation that is necessary to be added to the ofrotation of the clutch cage 250 to be the equivalent of the 360 ofrotation of the impaling spindle 36. This angular rotation of the clutchcage 250 actually is equal to 108 and, as illustrated in drawings wouldbe represented by the path that the lug 268, which presently is inengagement with the detent 273 (FIG. 12), would have to travel untilthis same lug 268 reaches the detent 267 of the actuating arm 252 asshown in FIGURE 11.

With the actuating arm 251 and its associated elements in their forwardposition (FIG. 12), the detent 273 located the lug 268 at its exact,predetermined starting position for the increment of rotation which isto precede a regular 180 of rotation. In this position the detent 273momentarily holds the clutch cage 250 against rotation. The dependingedge 277 on the extension 276 of the actuating arm 251 now is located inits innermost position Within the orbit of the low pin 278 on theauxiliary shaft 84. As this pin gradually travels toward the dependingedge 277, the low pin 278 will lead, and it will be this low pin 27 8that will strike the special actuating arm 251. When this occurs theextension 276 of the actuating arm 251 will be rocked out of the orbitof the low pin 278 on its pivotal mounting on the shaft 253.

Simultaneously, with this action, the detent 273 rocks out of the orbitof the lug 268 and permits this lug to start along its path previouslyreferred to as the increment of rotation of the clutch cage 250. As theactuating arm 251 moves outwardly from the clutch cage 250, theextension 276 of the actuating arm 251 bears against a release pin 290secured to and carried on the rocker arm 257 which rocks this arm aboutits pivot pin 259. This action also rocks the lead tongue 284 out of itsengagement in the outer notch 286 and allows it to return to its normalposition in the inner notch 285 where it is held by the spring 287.Following the return of the lead tongue into the inner notch 285, thespecial actuating arm 251 is pulled back to its former position (whichis to the right as viewed in FIGURES 10 and 11) on its pivotal mountingon the shaft 253 in the rocker arm 254 by the spring 272. A stop pin 291secured in the frame 256 limits the return movement of the rocker arm254 to the right.

While the movements of the elements just described progress, the latch261 on the bell crank lever 258 bears against the face of the detent 262under the steady pull of the spring 263. The rocking of the actuatingarm 251 included as one of the movements, permits the latch 261 and theelements hereinbefore described back in a nonoperating position as bestillustrated in FIGURE 10.

During the progressive action following the release of the lug 268 fromits predetermined starting point, the lug 268 finally traverses alongits arcuate path to an engaging position against the detent 267 on thenormal actuating arm 252. At the time, that this engagement is takingplace, the high pin 279, now advances to an engaging position againstthe depending edge 280 of the actuating arm 252. The high pm 279 thenshifts the actuating arm 252 and rocks it on its pivotal mounting on theshaft 266, out of the orbit of the lug 269, allowing it to pass withoutinterruption. The lug 268 thus has completed the increment of rotationof the clutch cage 250 which is equal to 108 of rotation of the shaft85.

As the lug 268 continues along its path for an additional 180 ashereinbefore described, only the normal actuating arm 252 will continueto function. The normal actuating arm 252 will thereafter be rockedinwardly to position the detent 267 into the orbit of the next advancinglug 268. When this oncoming lug 268 reaches the detent 267 the clutchcage 250 will be stopped momentarily. This stopping action thensignifies the completion of the additional 180 of rotation of the mainshaft 85, which rotation, together with the increment rotation of 108 isthe equivalent of 360 of rotation on the impaling spindle 36.

The subsequent partial rotations of the main shaft 85 thereafter willcontinue successively, through repeated 180 of rotation until a total ofeight of such operations are completed. These partial rotations of 180of the clutch cage 250 are performed by the actuating arm 252 alonewhile the actuating arm 251 and its associated coacting elements arelocked in a non-operative position as illustrated in FIGURE 10.

The cycle of operation of the loop former now is complete and the detent267 of the normal actuating arm- 252 is engaged against the lug 268barring further rotation of the clutch cage 250 until the magnet 265 isreenergized. When this happens, the first step of the cycle of operationhereinbefore described will be repeated for the forming of the initialloop of the next ornament, followed by the remaining normal steps untilthe predetermined number of 225 loops have been completed.

Suitable devices for the actuation and control of the magnet 265 for theloop former, and magnet 225 for the feeding and release of ribbonhereinbefore described, are shown in the uncovered electrical panel box300 located in the front of the apparatus (FIG. 1). These devices areconnected by any suitable means to a manually operated control panel301.

A counting device 302 also is provided for controlling the number oftwisted loops desired in an ornament following the initial twisted loop.While the preferred number of such loops hereinbefore mentioned waseight, fuller ornaments having many more (or even less) twisted loopsmay be produced by merely setting of a dial 303 on the control panel301.

Other devices such as starting and stopping switches also may beconnected and operated from the control panel 301. A snap action switch304 positioned within the housing 27 and is secured to a pivotal bracketin this [housing (FIG. 3). This microswitch 304 adjustably coacts with adrive pulley 305 mounted on the lower end of the auxiliary shaft 84. Theswitch 304 is connected in a circuit to the magnet 225.

As hereinbefore noted, the pulsing of the magnet at a chosen timecorrelated with the feed stroke determines the length of the ribbon feedfor each loop. Thus, the snap action switch 304 is adjustable forengagement with the cam 309. The switch 304 is pivotable, and may belocked in intermediate positions. In one position, the earn 309 engagesthe switch 304 at the start of the feed stroke. In the opposite extremepivoted position, the cam is not engaged by the switch until the partialcompletion of the feed stroke. Since the pulsing of the magnet by theswitch 304 determines when the ribbon is gripped for feeding by thecarriage 35, it is seen that this switch 304 adjustably determines thelength of each ribbon loop.

A pulley 306 mounted on a shaft 307 is driven from the drive pulley 305by an endless belt 308 which passes over these pulleys (FIG. 4). Theshaft 307 is journaled in suitable hearings in the housing 27 foroperating the counting device 302.

The apparatus is started and stopped by the switch 310. A knob 311 inthe control panel 301, by a pulley 306 arrangement (not shown)determines the position of the switch 304 in relation to the earn 305previously mentioned. In this manner, direct control of. the size ofeach loop formed is provided on the panel by varying the timedengagement of the switch with the cam 305. The bell 305 also drives thesequencing switches in the panel box 300. These switches perform thefollowing various functions, but they are not part of the invention. Oneswitch stops the motor when an ornament is completed, and sequentially,another operates to actuate the support 52, carrying down the stapler47, and returning it at the end of the stroke. The motor circuit is thenreclosed. Another switch drives the counter 302. Another switch operatesthe ribbon cut off just from the stapling. Another switch operates themagnet 265 at the commencement of the formation of each new ornament.

Having described the apparatus of the present invention, a brief outlineof its operation now will be made. The looped-ribbon ornaments areprepared from a continuous strip or web of ribbon which is fastened orsecured at spaced intervals so that the lengths of ribbon therebetweenmay be twisted or formed in a preferred manner to provide loops ofribbon which, when assembled in superimposed and an advanced angularrelation, present a pleasing array of loops of ribbon gathered togetherin a single ornament, or rosette. It is however to be understood thatthe angles of assembly may be varied so as to produce other types oflooped ribbon ornaments.

For this purpose, reels of ribbon are positioned on the feed table sothat at least one strip of the ribbon may be withdrawn in a stepby-stepmanner for intermittent feeding into the apparatus. The leading end ofthe ribbon is advanced along a predetermined path over and throughsuitable ribbon guideways in the reciprocating ribbon feed carriage toextend outwardly beyond the forward end of the feed carriage in aposition for impalement upon the spindle located at the impalingstation. The ribbon feed carriage is carried on a pair of spaced aparthorizontally disposed slide bars and reciprocated thereon by thecycloidal drive. Such a drive not only imparts a feeding and returnstroke to the ribbon feed carriage but also provides a dwell at theforward end of each feeding stroke. This is one of the importantfeatures of the instant apparatus, since it allows ample time for theimpaling spindle to move upwardly and impale each successive length ofribbon as it is fed to the impaling station, preparatory to rotating theimpaling spindle for twisting these lengths of ribbon into loops.

The cycloidal drive is designed particularly for converting rotarymotion into reciprocating motion, hence, this drive is interposedbetween the auxiliary drive shaft and the ribbon feed carriage. Arotatable pinion is connected at one side by a lever to the auxiliarydrive shaft, and at the other side by a pair of levers to the ribbonfeed carriage. The pinion meshes with, and is confined for rotationwithin a stationary annular inner gear.

With the ribbon feed carriage in a forward position following thecut-off of a completed ornament at the impaling station, the feedcarriage is ready to ;move in a rearward direction on its return stroke.As the ribbon feed carriage begins to move, the ribbon gripper is helddisengaged from the ribbon in an inoperative position by the clapperarm, through its contact with the normally energized magnet. The rollermeanwhile begins to roll along the ribbon, pressing it into engagementwith the high friction engaging surface of the stationary plate. Hence,with the ribbon held immobile, further movement of the feed carriagerelative to the ribbon during its return stroke, actually results inadvancing a predetermined length of ribbon through the guideway andcausing the cut-off end of the ribbon still remaining in the guideway toissue outward beyond the notch at the forward end of the carriage as aleading end or tongue for impalement. This action is only essential atthe start of the formation of each looped ribbon ornament. After thisleading end or tongue is impaled on the impaling spindle at the start ofthe next feeding stroke, there is no need for the advancement of ribbonfor this purpose.

The length of the tongue just described may be varied by adjusting thetransversally disposed rod which is positioned in the path of travel ofthe ribbon adjacent the roller to modify the action of the roller on theplate. An adjustment which will tighten the engagement of the rod withthe ribbon will tend to shorten the length of the leading end or tongue,whereas a looser engagement will tend to lengthen the tongue, therebyenabling a suflicient length of ribbon to be issued, without the dangerof the ribbon being torn off of the impaling needles.

Upon reaching the end of the return stroke, the normally energizedmagnet is pulsed, thus releasing its hold on the clapper arm, allowingthe clapper arm to drop free of the magnet. The clapper arm then is heldaway from the magnet by a spring, which rocks the gripper into grippingengagement with the ribbon. The gripper continues its grip on the ribbonas the ribbon feed carriage starts moving forward on a feeding strokecarrying with it a length of ribbon with its advancement.

As the ribbon feed carriage approaches the end of the feeding stroke,the ribbon gripper strikes against a ribbon release bar which actuatesthe gripper and rocks it out of gripping engagement with the ribbon.This action also rocks the shaft upon which the clapper is carriedthereby restoring the clapper arm into its holding contact with thenormally energized magnet. The ribbon feed carriage now has reached theforward end of the feeding stroke and it is at this time that a shortdwell takes before the ribbon feed carriage repeats its cycle ofoperation.

While the ribbon feed carriage is momentarily at rest in its forwardposition, the stem carries the needles on the upper end of its stem andmoves up vertically, and the needles impale the leading end or tongue ofthe ribbon. The ribbon feed carriage now moves backward on its returnstroke, preparatory to completing its next cycle or operation. Duringthis and subsequent cycles that follow, the action of the roller and itscoacting stationary plate have no hold-back elfect upon the ribbon,because the leading end of the ribbon is already held by impalement.

As the ribbon feed carriage moves forward on its next feeding stroke, alength of ribbon for forming the first loop is carried forward by reasonof the gripper engaging the ribbon during that portion of the stroke.Upon reaching the end of the stroke, the impaling stem is rotatedthrough 360 of angular rotation for forming the initial loop of theornament. During the period of dwell of the ribbon feed carriage in itsforward position, the impaling stem with the impaling needles on itshead repeat their vertical upward movement to impale the length ofribbon that has just been formed into a loop. This completes the cycleof operation of the ribbon feed carriage.

The ribbon feed carriage thereafter is reciprocated through a pluralityof cycles of operation for feeding successive lengths of ribbon whichalso are impaled on needles on the head of the impaling stem. The anglesof rotation of these successive lengths of ribbon however will not be acomplete 360 rotation, but will be a partial rotation of 225.

The impaling stem is operated in proper timed relation with thereciprocation of the ribbon feed carriage and is lifted vertically to apredetermined ribbon receiving position for successive impalements ofeach length of ribbon. The lifting of the impaling stem is achieved bymeans of the lifter cam which is driven by the driving connection fromthe main drive shaft.

The rotation of the impaling stem is accomplished by a driven pulleysecured to the lower end of the impaling spindle. This driven pulley isrotated by a drive pulley carried on the main drive shaft having anendless belt which operates over these pulleys.

Since the rotation of the various lengths of ribbon varies throughpredetermined angles of rotation, provision is made for controlling thedesired angular rotation. Hence, for this purpose the loop former isprovided and positioned for operation with the main drive shaft tocontrol the angular rotation of the drive pulley. This loop formerincludes a clutch cage, a normal actuating arm and a special actuatingarm. The clutch cage is carried on the main drive shaft. The arms arecarried on a frame surrounding the main drive shaft for coaction withthe clutch cage. Pins for controlling the movement of the actuating armsare carried on the adjacently disposed auxiliary shaft.

When an initial loop is to be formed or twisted at the impaling stationfor the start of a new ornament, both the special actuating arm andnormal actuating arm are operated to accomplish a full 360 of rotationof the impaling stem. For all subsequent loops that are to be formedsuccessively with loops less than a complete rotation, preferably a 225angle of rotation, the normal actuating arm only will function.

The operation of the loop former is controlled through the counter, sothat when the desired number of loops have been made, the loop formermechanism ceases to function and the impaled lengths of loops on theimpaling stem is severed from the supply of ribbon by the cut-off knifecarried on the ribbon feed carriage. The cut-off knife is located nearthe forward end of the ribbon feed carriage, close to the impalementneedles so as to leave a tail piece of the desired length extending fromthe point of impalement. The loops are then stapled together.

Each completed ornament is stapled with a mounting card or label. Uponcompletion of the ornament previously described, the frame which carriesthe ornament is moved downwardly and upon reaching the bottom of itsdownward stroke where the stapler operates, all of the loops of theribbon and the label are stapled together as a unit.

The ejector slide operates to remove the completed article from theapparatus.

This completes the operation of producing a looped ribbon ornament. Thecounting devices which controlled the sequence of operation justdescribed thereafter is reset for the next cycle of operation for theforming of the next ornament.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantageswill be understood from the foregoing description and it will beapparent that various changes may be made in the apparatus forperforming the instant method as well as the steps of the method withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing anyof its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merelya preferred embodiment thereof.

-1 claim:

1. apparatus for forming looped-ribbon ornaments comprising,

(-a) a holder for a supply of ribbon,

(b) a reciprocating ribbon feed carriage for feeding desired lengths ofribbon from the holder during a feeding stroke,

(c) an impaling spindle at an impaling station positioned at the end ofthe carriage feed stroke,

(d) means for reciprocating the ribbon feed carriage,

(e) means .for reciprocating the impaling spindle to impale successivelengths of ribbon fed by the carriage,

(f) a drive for operating the reciprocating means,

(g) means for rotating the impaling spindle during its reciprocation intimed relation to the reciprocation of the carriage,

(h) means for controlling the rotation of the impaling spindlesuccessively through a desired angle of rotation for twisting thelengths of ribbon into loops,

(i) a ribbon cutter positioned adjacent to the impaling spindle forcutting ribbon being fed from the supply of ribbon when a predeterminednumber of loops have been impaled on the spindle,

(j) a label feed for delivering a label to the impaling spindle,

(k) means for securing the label to a plurality of impaled loops of theribbon and to fix the form of the loops of ribbon to define an ornament,

(1) an ejector for stripping the ornament from the spindle.

2. An apparatus of the class described in claim 1 wherein the means ((1)for reciprocating the ribbon feed carriage is a cycloidal drivecomprising,

(a) a stationary internal gear,

(b) a coacting pinion riding the gear,

(c) and a plurality of levers pivoted together and connected at one endto the pinion, and at the other end to the ribbon feed carriage wherebythe carriage is reciprocated and a dwell is provided betweenreciprocations at the end of a feeding stroke.

3. An apparatus of the class described in claim 1 wherein the means (e)for lifting the impaling spindle to impale successive lengths of ribbonfed by the carriage comprises,

(a) a rotatable cam for reciprocating the impaling spindle vertically,

(b) and a coacting cam roller engageable with the cam and carried on across bar connected to the impaling spindle.

4. An apparatus of the class described in claim 1 wherein the means (g)for rotating the impaling spindle in timed relation to the reciprocationof the carriage comprises,

(a) a driving connection,

(b) a driving pulley,

(c) a driven pulley, and

(d) an endless belt surrounding the pulleys.

5. An apparatus of the class described in claim 1 wherein the means (h)for controlling the rotation of the impaling spindle comprises,

(a) a main drive shaft,

(b) a slip clutch on the main drive shaft,

() lugs on the slip clutch,

(d) :a plurality of actuating arms adjacent to the slip clutch,

(e) detents on the actuating arms engageable and disengageable with thelugs,

(f) a driving pulley in cooperative engagement with the clutch forrotating the impaling spindle through a desired angle of rotationwhereby an amount of rotation of the spindle is governed by theengagement of one detent with a lug, and subsequent rotation is governedby the engagement of another detent with a lug, the initial amount ofrotation being approximately 360 and the subsequent amounts of rotationbeing less than 360.

'6. An apparatus of the class described in claim 1 wherein the means (k)for securing a label to a plurality of impaled loops of ribboncomprises,

(a) a stapler,

(b) a movable frame carrying the stapler positioned above the impalingstation, and having vertical reciprocation toward the impaling spindle,whereby a label and a pluarity of loops of ribbon are stapled togetherto form an ornament.

7. An apparatus for forming looped-ribbon ornaments having a loop formercomprising,

(a) a main drive shaft,

(b) a drive pulley carried on a main drive shaft,

(c) an impaling spindle shaft, and an impaling spindle thereon,

(d) a driven pulley mounted on the impaling spindle shaft,

(e) a drive connection between the drive pulley and the driven pulley,

(f) a clutch cage carried on the main drive shaft adjacent the drivepulley and having driving engagement with the drive pulley,

(g) lugs on the clutch cage,

(h) and actuating arms engageable with the lugs on the clutch cage tocontrol the angular rotation of the clutch cage and through the clutchcages driving engagement with the drive pulley, to control the desiredangles of rotation of the impaling spindle that are produced for formingsuccessive loops of ribbon on the impaling spindle.

8. An apparatus for forming looped-ribbon ornaments having a loop formercomprising;

(a) a drive pulley rotatably carried on a main drive shaft,

(b) a clutch cage carried on the main drive shaft and engageable withthe drive pulley for rotating it through desired angles of rotation,

(c) a pair of lugs on the clutch cage disposed in diametrically opposedspaced apart relation,

((1) a stationary frame surrounding the main drive shaft,

(e) a rocker arm pivoted on the frame and provided with an inner notchand an outer notch,

(f) a special actuating arm pivotally carried on the rocker arm at oneside of the clutch cage,

(g) a normal actuating arm pivotally carried on the frame at theopposite side of the clutch cage,

(h) a detent on each of the actuating arms,

(i) a spring connected to an extension on each of the actuating arms forurging the detents into position for engagement with a lug on the clutchcage for holding the lug in a predetermined position at the start of anangular rotation of the clutch cage,

(j) a bell crank lever pivoted on the frame adjacent the specialactuating arm,

(k) a latch on one arm of the bell crank lever,

(l) a latch engaging detent on the special actuating arm,

(m) a spring connected to the other arm of the bell crank lever to causethe latch to engage the latch detent on the special actuating arm tohold it outwardly from the clutch cage in a non-operative positron,

(n) a second rocker arm pivoted on the frame and having a tongue endwhich is engaged in the inner notch of the first mentioned rocker armwhile the special actuating arm is in a non-operative position andwherein the tongue end is engaged in the outer notch when the specialactuating arm is in a preset position for a 360 cycle,

(0) a magnet connected to an arm of the bell crank lever which, whenenergized, rocks the lever to unlatch it from the detent on the specialactuating arm for releasing the clutch cage for the start of a 360cycle, at which time the special actuating arm is also shifted andpivoted inwardly to position its detent at an exact location forengagement by a lug on the clutch cage, which point for engagementdefines the start of the 360 cycle,

(p) a low pin carried on an auxiliary shaft engageable with an extensionon the special actuating arm to push that arm out of the low pins orbit,and to shift the detent out of engagement with a lug on the clutch,thereby allowing the clutch cage to start an initial position of angularrotation of (q) and a high pin carried on the auxiliary drive shaftengageable with an extension on the normal actuating arm to push it outof the high pins orbit, and to shift the detent on the normal actuatingarm out of engagement with a lug on the clutch cage, thereby allowingthe clutch cage to start a complementary normal angular rotation of 225,whereby the combined actions of both the special actuating arm and thenormal actuating arm provide an initial rotation of 135 followed by acomplementary rotation of 225 for a total combined 360 of angularrotation for twisting the initial loop; thereafter the special actuatingarm is locked in a non-functional position and the normal actuating armcontinues to successively hold and release the lug in the clutch cagefor a plurality of cycles until a predetermined number of 225 loops areformed.

9. An apparatus for forming looped-ribbon which apparatus includes aribbon feed comprising;

(a) a ribbon feed carriage mounted for reciprocation on a pair of spacedapart horizontally disposed slide bars for movement therealong on afeeding stroke and a return stroke,

(b) a ribbon gripper engageable with the ribbon for holding the ribbonwhile a predetermined length of the ribbon is advanced to an impalingstation during a feeding stroke.

() a rocker shaft for carrying the ribbon gripper on the carriage,

(d) a spring for holding the ribbon gripper in engagement with theribbon during the feeding stroke,

(e) a clapper carried on the rocker shaft,

(-f) a normally energized magnet mounted on the carriage for holding theclapper out of engagement with the ribbon during a return stroke of theribbon feed carriage,

(g) an electrical control for pulsing the magnet at the end of a returnstroke of the ribbon feed carriage, to release the clapper, and to allowthe ribbon gripper to yield to the spring and move to holding engagementwith the ribbon during the next feeding stroke,

(h) and a stationary release rod positioned for engagement with theribbon gripper for rocking the ribbon gripper out of engagement with theribbon at the end of the feeding stroke whereby the clapper also isrocked for engagement with the normally energized magnet and the ribbongripper is held out of engagement with the ribbon on the return strokeof the ribbon feed carriage.

10. An apparatus for forming looped-ribbon ornaments which apparatusincludes a ribbon feed comprising;

(a) a ribbon feed carriage mounted for reciprocation on a pair of spacedapart horizontally disposed slide bars for movement therealong on afeeding stroke and a return stroke,

(b) a stationary plate provided with a high friction engaging surfacelocated adjacent the path of travel of the carriage during its feedingand return strokes,

(c) a roller movable with the carriage coacting with the stationaryplate and engaging the ribbon into contact against the high frictionsurface,

(d) a yieldable spring mounting secured to the carriage for carrying theroller and for urging the roller into engagement with the high frictionsurface of the stationary plate durin an initial return stroke of theribbon feed carriage where the ribbon is held immobile relative to themovements of the carriage by being engaged with the surface and aleading end of the ribbon remaining after a previous cutoff is issuedbeyond the forward end of the ribbon feed carriage ready for an initialimpalement of the ribbon on an impaling spindle at the next feed stroke,

(e) and a ribbon tensioning rod positioned adjacent the roller andtransversely disposed in the path of the ribbon the rod carried on anadjustable bracket secured to the carriage whereby the pressure exertedby the rod against the ribbon is adjustable to exert tension on theribbon to vary the length of ribbon issued beyond the forward end of theribbon feed carriage preparatory to the initial impalement of theribbon.

11. An apparatus for forming looped-ribbon ornaments having a ribboncut-off comprising;

(a) a ribbon feed carriage mounted for reciprocation on a pair of spacedapart horizontally disposed slide bars, for movement therealong on afeeding stroke and a return stroke,

(b) a ribbon cut-off positioned adjacent the forward end of the ribbonfeed carriage,

(c) a housing for the ribbon cut-0E defining a chamber,

(d) a movable plunger in the housing,

(e) a plunger stem depending from the plunger,

(f) a spring for urging the plunger upwardly within the chamber,

(g) a cut-off knife mounted on the plunger stem,

(h) an opening in the carriage wherein the cut-off knife operates tosever the ribbon adjacent to the loops of ribbon of an ornamentcompleted from a continuous strip of ribbon fed by the ribbon feedcarriage,

(i) and fluid means for actuating the plunger for a cutoff operation.

12. An apparatus for forming looped-ribbon ornaments having a drivetrain comprising;

(a) a ribbon feed carriage mounted for reciprocation,

(b) a stationary internal gear,

(c) a coacting pinion riding the gear,

(d) a plurality of levers pivoted together and connected at one end tothe pinion and at the other end to the ribbon feed carriage,

(e) an impaling spindle,

(f) a rotatable cam engaged with the spindle whereby the spindle isreciprocated vertically in timed relation to the carriage,

(g) a driving connection for rotating the spindle, (h) and driving meansoperably connected to the pinion, the rotatable cam and the drivingconnection. 13. An apparatus for forming looped-ribbon ornaments havingan impaling spindle comprising;

(a) a tubular shaft journaled in bearings for rotation on a verticalaxis,

(b) an impaling stem carried in a bore within the shaft for rotationtherewith and for movement axially relative to the shaft,

(c) a head for the impaling stern,

(d) a plurality of main needles positioned vertically in spaced relationon the head,

(e) a plurality of short auxiliary needles positioned vertically inspaced and in alternate relation with respect to the main needles,

(f) and a spiral thread on each of the main needles for increasing thehold on the ribbon as it is impaled.

14. An apparatus for forming looped-ribbon ornaments having an ornamentejector comprising;

(a) an impaling spindle located at an impaling station,

(b) a frame mounted for reciprocation and positioned above the impalingspindle,

(c) an ejector slide-way secured to the bottom surface of the frame,

(d) an ejector slide carried in the ejector slideway,

(e) an ejector finger projecting from the ejector slide,

(f) a latch for holding the ejector slide in a normal positionpreparatory to an ejection operation,

(g) a spring for operating the ejector slide for an ejecting operation,

(h) a spring for restoring the ejector slide to its normal positionfollowing an ejecting operation,

(i) a latch lever, a rod in contact therewith,

(j) and a bracket engageable with the rod for actuating the latch leverwhereby the spring for operating the ejector slide causes the ejectorfinger to eject a completed ornament from the impaling spindle.

15. A method for forming looped ribbon ornaments comprising (a)extending a ribbon across a ribbon feed carriage to an impaling station,

(b) reciprocating the ribbon feed carriage to and from the impalingstation,

(c) gripping the ribbon as the carriage advances toward the impalingstation, and releasing the ribbon as the carriage returns from theimpaling station,

(d) causing the carriage to dwell at the impaling station,

